International Journal of Trend in Scientific
Research and Development (IJTSRD)
International Open Access Journal
ISSN No: 2456 - 6470 | www.ijtsrd.com | Volume - 1 | Issue – 5
An Application of the Universal Design in Integrated Living
Arrangements for Elderly People in Thailand
Supakit Yimsrual
Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture,
Faculty of Architecture, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
ABSTRACT
In Thailand, the environment suitability of the
integrated housing for older people is still limited.
Thus, this research aimed to apply the concept of
Universal Design in the study of the suitability of
integrated living arrangements for the elderly and
stipulate the design of integrated living arrangements
for the elderly in Thailand. The data was collected
from the elderly residing in the government’s centers
for development of social welfare for the elderly.
They were 106 participants with four age ranges: 6064 years, 65-69 years, 70-74 years, and 75 or
above.The study used three types of tests: behavioral
interviews and the need for space and utensils, tests
on the use of space and utensils, and records of
participant behavior. The tests on the use of space
andutensils included ten apparatuses: handrails,
bathroom fittings, electrical switches, power sockets,
door knobs, handles and bolts, stairs, ramps, interior
and exterior floors. The results showed that a handrail
should be at least 4.5 cm. in diameter and should be at
least 5 cm. from the wall and not less than 12 cm from
the mounting point. The bathroom should be equipped
with multiple handrails to help stabilize the elderly.
The wall handrail should be horizontal or L-shaped.
The non-wall handrail should be folding wallmounted or T-shape floor-mounted. The sanitary ware
used should be a flat sanitary ware with a height of
about 400 mm.The faucet should be a lever type
faucet because it was easy to use and it needed less
physical effort to turn. Electrical switches should be
installed at a height of 120 cm. from floor level while
power sockets should be installed at a height of 90
cm. from the floor. Door knobs or level-type knobs
should be used because of their ease of use and ease
to close with low physical effort. On the contrary, the
use of handles and bolts should be avoided.The rise of
stair should have a height of about 13 cm. and not less
than 47 cm. for the run to accommodate the use of the
elderly. The ramp should have a slope ratio of not less
than 1: 12.Interior and exterior floors must be covered
with a non-slip surface so that the elderly can easily
walk or use a wheelchair. According to the need for
space, the elderly needed space about 1.44 sq.m. per
person for the rest areas. Whereas, sleeping areas
should be no less than 12 sq.m. per person. The
bathroom should have free space, without
obstructions, of at least 1.50x 1.50 m. The study
concluded that the seven principles of the Universal
Design can be applied to assess the suitability of the
environment for the integrated housing of the elderly
and to design an integrated housing design for the
elderly appropriately.
Keywords: Elderly, Integrated Living, Universal
Design
I.
INTRODUCTION
It is important to have a study in the design of the
living environment for the elderly widely overseas;
however, in Thailand, research on such issues,
especially study the suitability of the environment for
integrated housing of the elderly is relatively limited.
Most recent research have aimed to study the design
of a specific area such asbathroom, the kitchen, the
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International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) ISSN: 2456-6470
bedroom, and etc., while some focused on the
environment of single or residential dwellings or
specific purposes for example design education to
prevent accidents occurring to elderly people in the
residence, design of landscape and parks that are
suitable for the elderly.However, the results of the
study and design standards conducted overseas cannot
be applied to integrated housing design for the elderly
in Thailand because of the differences in physiologies,
behaviors and habitats although self-reliance among
the elderly in Thailand tends to vividly increase. Yet,
the studies of Trairat Jaruthat et al. (2013, 2005)
entitled "A Guide to Organizing Friendly Facilities
for the Elderly" and "Minimum Standards for Housing
and the Environment of the Elderly "have different
purposes from other recent research, and they are
projected to be used as references to standards for
design guidelines for residential housing for the
elderly in Thailand. Thus, the knowledge from these
two prominent researches was applied in this study. In
recent years, behavior in the use of space, as well as
the demand for housing in Thailand, has shifted from
a single dwelling to an integrated dwelling, such as a
condominium or elderly care facilities and an elderly
home (Siripanich, 2010). Consequently, the elderly
living and relying on themselves in an inappropriate
environment is a major factor in the occurrence of
accidents in the elderly and eventually leads to
disability (Siriboon, 2003). However, there is no study
to determine the appropriate integrated housing design
for the elderly. Therefore, this study was conducted
with the focus on the appropriateness of the integrated
living environment for older people in Thailand by
adopting the design concept for Universal Design to
assess suitability and design guidelines for integrated
housing design for the elderly. It aimed to determine
the minimum standards or design requirements, with
an emphasis on the use of space, building equipment
and behavioral responses of the elderly. The results of
the research can be used to determine guidelines for
designing integrated housing for older people in
Thailand in the near future.
II.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
This study had three-fold objectives:
1. To study the suitability of the integrated living
environment for the elderly in Thailand,
2. To apply the design concept of Universal Design
to design integrated housing for the elderly in
Thailand, and
3. To establish guidelines of integrated housing
design for the elderly in Thailand.
III.
SCOPE OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT
Scope of Case Study and Sample Population
The research was conducted from the Government
Center for Development of Social Welfare for the
Elderly due to the variety of residential types, such as
single detached housing and integrated housing, etc.
In this study, a sample group of the elderly was
recruited based on the classification system of the
elderly, according to the National Statistics Office of
Thailand. The subjects included 106 volunteers
divided into four age groups: 60-64 years, 65-69
years, 69-74 years, and 75 years or above.
IV.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The current research was a survey research that
collected data from the Government Center for
Development of Social Welfare for the Elderly. It
included
1. An exploration of the elderly’s behaviors of
utilizing space and equipment,
2. An investigation of housing and living
environment, sizes and locations of equipment
installations relative to the physiology of the
elderly, and
3. In-depth interviews with the elderly to assess how
suitable the housing environment is.
The results from the surveyswere used to compare
with design standards and design guidelines of
Universal Design and other related documents in
order to implement a test of factors affecting
integrated housing designs for the elderly. The steps
of data collection can be summarized as follows:
Step 1 Review of Related Literature
Documentary research and literature review will
analyze the content of relevant international and
national research, such as measurement of the
elderly’s body size, living conditions and types of the
elderly’s residence, ideas related to environment
arrangements and housing design standards of the
elderly, as well as Universal Design.
Step 2 Survey of the Physical Condition of the
Residence
Survey of the physical condition of the integrated
residence of the elderly included surveying the usable
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area and the equipment installation stage. The survey
results would be used to compare with the design
standards. It is also used as a basis for interviewing
behavioral and occupational needs in building space
and equipment.
Step 3 In-depth Interview
Interviews of the elderly participants consisted of both
closed-ended and open-ended questions. Results from
these interviews were screened to assess behavioral
conditions, daily routines, living styles, and demands
for space and equipment, and the results from the
assessment were used to create a test of space
applications and building equipment.
Step 4: Test of Space and Building Equipment
At this stage, the participants were tested regarding
the use of space and equipment made by the
researcher to assess the suitability of the space and the
size of the utilized area, size of equipment and the
installation phase of building equipment that respond
to behaviors and daily routines. To obtain the
aforementioned
information,
the
researcher
interviewed and observed the utilization behavior of
the participants.
Step 5: Analysis of Research Data
The data obtained from this research were compared
with various design standards, as well as experts’
perspectives in order to summarize the results and
establish guidelines for integrated housing design for
the elderly in Thailand.
Research Tools
Three research tools were used in the data collection:
1. Behavioral interviews regarding daily routines
and needs for the use of space and equipment,
2. A test of space and building equipment
utilization, and
3. A record of behaviors in using building space
and equipment.
A. Behavioral Interviews
The behavioral interview was aimed at screening and
assessing the behaviors and routines of the elderly. Its
structure was divided into two parts:
Part 1: Basic information about the participants
which included,
1. Number of participants divided by residence types,
age groups, and health,
2. Daily activities and exercise, and
3. Living behaviors, the useof building space and
equipment.
Part 2: Information about the housing environment
requirements which is divided into three main parts:
1. Characteristics of housing and length of residence,
2. Opinions on the environment facilities and services
in residential area, and
3. Needs of building space and equipment.
B: The Test of Building Space and Equipment
The test of building space and equipment was used to
explore the appropriateness of the space and the size
of the active area, the size and the installation phase
of building equipment used by the elderly in everyday
life. The test builds on seven design principles of the
Universal Design: there are equitable use, flexibility
in use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible
information, tolerance for error, low physical effort,
and size and space for approach and use. The details
are as follows:
Part 1: A test of the use of outdoor and indoor space
included:
1. Bedrooms,
2. Leisure areas,
3. Bathrooms,
4. Walkways, stairs, ramp and interior floors, and
5. Walkways, stairs, ramp and exterior floors.
Part 2: A test of building equipment which included:
1. Handrails, both general handrails and bathroom
handrails, taking into account of the size, level of
installation and its materials,
2. Faucet,
3. Electric switches, based on the type and level of
installation,
4. Powersockets, based on the type and level of
installation,
5. Doors and windows,
6. Door knobs, handles and bolts, and
7. Toilet bowl.
In addition, the building equipment used in the test
was certified for industrial products and it was
commercially available in the local market.
C: A Record and Observation of the Use of Building
Space and Equipment
The purpose of these tools executed simultaneously
was to record the participants’ behaviors of using
building space and equipment.
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V.
RESULTS
The results of this study showed that the environment
of government centers for the elderly’s social welfare
development was in accordance with the requirement
standards of appropriate and safe environment for the
elderly suggested by Bureau of Environmental Health
of Thailand in 2010 and the ministerial regulation on
building facilities for the disabled and the elderly
launched by Department of Empowerment of Persons
with Disabilities in2005. The suitable housing for
them was single-floor housing. If having more floors
is compulsory, a vertical commuting system and
ramps with a slope ratio of 1:12 are obligatory in
order to accommodate the wheelchair use of the
elderly with physical movement limitations. In
addition, separated rooms in residential buildings for
the elderly to live together should accommodate not
more than two persons per room. Furthermore, an
integrated room should accommodate not more than
four older persons, whereas a sleeping building may
provide lodgings to not more than eight persons,
fourbeds per row. The survey results regarding the
need to use the sleeping area by the elderly showed
that each elderly person needs about 12 sq.m. of
sleeping area, approximately 1.44 sq.m. of recreation
area and1.50 x 1.50 m. of a bathroom with clear
interior space and an easy access. Thus, the study of
the use of interior and exterior space can be
summarized as follows.
A: Outdoor Space
Elderly people needed space for exercise and other
recreational activities. They were a collaborative
activity that demonstrates the need for social
participation. Therefore, the design of the area must
be easily accessible and accommodate the use of the
elderly with varying limitations of movement, sensory
perceptions. In this study, the composition of the
outdoor space was collected from the elderly who
tested the risers and the runs of the stair, the slope of
the ramps, and footpath surfaces. The results are
summarized as follows.
1. The height of the risers
The study found that the height of the risers
appropriate for the pace of the elderly is at an altitude
of 130 mm, which is less than the altitude of the risers
set in the design standard, which regulates that the
height of the risers should not be more than 150 mm.
The result is due to the elderly’s physiological
differentiation and shorter walking behavior (i.e. a
lower height, a narrower width of foot separation and
a shorter raise of the legs while walking).
2. The length of the runs
Based on the results of the study, it was found that the
elderly walked up the stairs by using an apt foot,
followed by the other foot to allocate weight. It is
characterized by discontinuous walking. Therefore,
the width of stair steps must be wider than normal to
increase foot rest, distribute the weight and determine
the pace of the next step. It should be at least 510 mm.
wide to support the use of the elderly who use a
walker or other walking aids.
Figure 1: A sketch of the risers and the runs
3. Ramp slope
To test the gradient of the ramp, the elderly were
asked to walk up and down the ramp, as well as using
a wheelchair. Most of the elderly participants chose
the slope at 1: 8 ratio of the ramp slope, and at a ratio
of 1: 12 in the case of using a wheelchair. These ratios
correspond to the slope gradient of the design
standard, which specifies that the length of a ramp
should be 6,000 mm. or less. In cases where the ramp
length exceeds 6,000 mm, a minimum of 1,500 mm.
rest area should be provided between the ramp
sections.
Figure 2: A sketch of the ramp inclination
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4. Various surface types
The surface tested was divided into different
categories according to its use. The elderly
testedfloors of four surface types: washed sand, nonslip tile, washed gravel and paving block. It has been
found that most elderly chose washed-sand surfaces
and non-slip tile floors because they were the surfaces
that helped them feel safe and comfortable to walk on.
For suitable areas for work, terrace or balcony, patio
area, fitness area, outdoor pedestrian areas, the elderly
chose a washed-gravel floor because its rough and
non-slip texturemade them feel safe in walking. For
the footpath, the elderly chose a paving block. The
results of this study are in line with the design
standards in that the surface texture for the elderly
must be made with non-slip materials.
B: Interior Space
According to studies, it has been found that the
elderly spend most of the day (80 percent) inside the
building, in the common areas, followed by the
bedroom. Daily activities that the elderly liked most
were recreational activities and leisure activities,
which require an integrated space, separated from a
living space, of approximately 1.44 sq.m. per person,
and a sleeping area of 12 sq.m. per person, together
with a bed of 40 cm. in height and at least a bedside
space of at least 90 cm. in width. This was required
for their walking aid or wheelchair. The survey found
that common accidents in the elderly, especially older
people aged 75 and over, were tripping falls and stair
falls. Thus, the interior space must not be levelled. If
it was necessary to have different floor levels, a
staircase or ramp should be provided with a range and
size that were appropriate for the mobility behavior of
the elderly. It should also include a sturdy handrail on
both sides, for example, the height of a space between
stair riser of 130 mm. and a stair run with 510
millimeter width. The suitable materials for indoor
floors were wood, laminated materials, artificial wood
and non-slip tiles. The results regarding the use of
building components by the elderly can be
summarized as follows.
1. Handrails
According to the international design standards for the
elderly, the corridors, toilets, common areas and
rooms need to be equipped with handrails or other
auxiliary equipment (Rednier, 2002). Based on the
results of the handle test, older people chose a 45mm.
diameter grip which is larger than the design standard,
as they viewed that it was easier to handle and it
seemed stronger. Furthermore, handrail material must
be smooth, non-slip, stable, strong, and safe to grasp,
and the height of the handrails must fit the physique
of the elderly. A proper measurement from the ground
level to the top level of the grip for mounting a
handrail should be 800 mm., which corresponds to the
design standard. In the case of wall mounting, the
distance from the wall rail should not be less than 50
mm., and the height of the handrail from the
wallmounting point must not be less than 120 mm. In
addition, the wall of the rail should be smooth to
facilitate the catch and allow the elderly to move their
hands on the rail without obstacles.
2. Handrails in the bathroom
The study found that the elderly participants chose a
bathroom handrail that was made of smooth material,
strong, stable, harmless to handle and non-slip. For
optimum height, the handrails in the bathroom should
be installed at an altitude of 900 mm. from the floor,
which is higher than the design standard. The handrail
should be at least 4.5 cm. in diameter and should be at
least 5 cm. from the wall and not less than 12 cm.
from the wall mounting point. A bathroom should
have handrails in several sides to help the elderly
balancethemselves. The wall handrails should be
horizontal or L-shaped while the non-wall ones
should have a folding wall mount or a T-shaped floor
mount.
3. Faucet
The test results showed that the side-mounted faucet
was suitable for most applications because it could be
opened and closed easily with little effort. This may
be because the elderly have less ability to use hands
effectively. The result goes in line with the
international design standards in that all bathroom
fixtures must be fully leveraged so that the elderly can
open or close without clutching a hand.
Figure 3: A sketch of the side-mounted faucet
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International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) ISSN: 2456-6470
4. Electric switch and power socket
The test results showed that the level of the switch
that was appropriate to the behavior of the elderly
should be about 120 centimeters from the ground
floor. The level of the appropriate power outlet should
be about 90 centimeters from the ground level. An
electrical switch appropriate for the elderly’s use
should have a large open-close key for easy operation,
and the power plug should be equipped with a power
cut switch.
– 500 mm.).This may be because Thai older people
have a smaller body than older people in the west.
Figure 5: A proper size of toilet bowl
VI.
Figure 4: A proper level of electric switch and
power socket
5. Doors - windows
Doors and windows suitable for the elderly should be
sliding doors and sliding windows. The door should
be at least 80 centimeters wide. The window should
be at least 60 centimeters wide. Door handles should
be a catch rod, leveraged or spindle because of their
ease of use and low closing force.
6. Knobs, door handles and latches.
The results demonstrated that the elderly chose to use
the handle with a twist or push rod because of less
force used to open or close. Similarly, a grooved door
knob was preferred because it is uneven and can
easily be caught or rotated. For proper installation
levels, a door knob should be mounted between 100
and 120 cm. in height from the floor level. Door bolts
should be avoided for the safety of the elderly in cases
where the elderly cannot help themselves or where
they have an accident.
7. Toilet bowl
Based on a survey of the physiology of the male
elderly persons, the height from the floor to the toilet
seat is about 401 mm.and about 370 mm. in height for
the female elderly persons. Therefore, a toilet for the
elderly should have a toilet seat with a backrest at an
altitude of about 400 mm. from the floor level, which
is below the level set in the design standard (i.e., 450
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATION
The results from this study can besummarized as
follows. The information provided by the research,
particularly the needs of space utilization, size and
installation phase of building equipment, differed
from the standards in some parts due to the
physiological differentiation of the elderly. For
example, the size of handrails that the elderly needed
was larger than the size specified in the standard and
the standard altitude of the toilet bowl from the floor
level to the toilet seat is set to be between 450 and 500
mm., but the Thai elderly required the altitude of
between 370-400 mm, etc.
Although the information was taken merely from a
group of older people, it indicated that the design
standards which are the foreign knowledge cannot be
applied in the design of all elderly residents in
Thailand. In addition, the data from the research
reflects the habits of living and the use of building
accessories for the elderly in the living environment
with which they have long been familiar; thus, some
building equipment, which did not comply with the
design criteria or standards but which were familiar to
the Thai elderly, were chosen by the elderly. For
instance, a grooved door knob was chosen due to its
uneven surface and its ability to handle or rotate is
similar to a twist-type handle or a push rod, which is
in accordance with standards used in many countries.
The Universal Design to specify design guidelines for
equipment in integrated residence of the elderly can
be properly applied according to seven criteria:
1. Equitable use
2. Flexibility in use
3. Simple and intuitive use
4. Perceptible information
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International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) ISSN: 2456-6470
5. Tolerance for error
6. Low physical effort
7. Size and space for approach and use
The research recommended that the future study
should cover the elderly wit h different physical and
living conditions, including the comparison of body
physiology of Thai elderly in different age ranges in
order to study the factors affecting the design of the
living environment for elderly people. The research
should also compare the elderly’s physiological data
before and after use of equipment in question. In
addition, it should compare the design criteria and
standards that is legally required or standardized to
determine a guideline for the design of residences for
the elderly in Thailand.
REFERENCES
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(2010). Standards of Safe Environment for the
Elderly. Bangkok.
2) Chayawan N. and Nodel J. (2000). Housing and
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the
Thai
Elderly.Bangkok: College of Population Studies,
Chulalongkorn University.
3) Department of Empowerment of Persons with
Disabilities (2005). Ministerial Regulation on
Building Facilities for the Disabled and the
Elderly. Bangkok.
4) Jaruthat T. et al. (2013). A Handbook of Agile
Facilities
for
the
Elderly.Bangkok.
ChulalongKorn University.
5) Jaruthat T. et al. (2005). Minimum Standards for a
Project of Housing and Environment for the
Elderly. Bangkok. Chulalongkorn University.
6) RednierV. (2002). Assisted Living Housing by
Design. New York. Van NostrandReihold.
7) Siriboon S. (2003). Response to Problems and
Needs of the Elderly. Case Study of Establishing a
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